Learn in Denver or from your patio #ISTE2016 #NOTATISTE

For those of you in my District and beyond who are new to the Ed Tech or the Twitter world, the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) hosts an amazing conference every year which is held in different venues across the United States. This year, it will be in Denver, Colorado, so all times listed in this post are in Mountain time.

One of the best things about this conference is the sheer number of outstanding educators from across North America (and perhaps even the world) who attend. Being there is an incredible learning experience. I had the privilege of attending the conference last year and the year before as well as in 2011.

But let’s face it, not many educators can afford the time or have the money to get to an educational conference like ISTE and in some cases, when your daughter is graduating from grade 8, you really can’t miss it! 🙂

If you are attending ISTE

If you are lucky enough to get there, and it’s your first (or second) time, be sure to check out this survival guide. Once there, definitely check out the playgrounds and the poster sessions which offer a more personal and interactive experience. Leave yourself lots of time . TALK to EVERYONE. Then, as there are literally 100s of amazing sessions to attend, take your time to plan to ensure that you know exactly what you would like to get out of your sessions and your experience. Someone once advised me to focus on a general theme which I found helpful.

If you already learn from someone on Twitter, search for that person in the Program Guide; chances are, you will learn lots more from his/her session…and meeting a Twitter pal in real life is great!

If I were attending ISTE this year, I’d be sitting in the front row for each of these presentations by these awesome educator pals who are passionate, knowledgeable, and are really great people too…and you’ll notice my general theme: Empowering teachers and students to use technology & social media positive ways.

FROM DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP TO DIGITAL LEADERSHIP, EMPOWERING LEARNERS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIAMonday, June 27, 4:15–5:15 pm
CCC Four Seasons BallroomGeorge Couros

I am so excited for Michelle Cordy–not sure there has ever been a Canadian closing keynote before and she is simply amazing–If you can stay for this, DO IT! #canadianproud

Don’t forget to attend at least 1 Coffee Edu session hosted by Alice Keeler. Yes, 6 am is early, but it’s a great opportunity to meet and talk to new people, and it may even inspire you to host one in your own area! And any session Alice is facilitating is sure to be great as well.

Be sure to share your learning by using the #ISTE2016 hashtag and if you blog, consolidate and share your learning when you return (it’s a great way to curate resources as well)

Not at ISTE? No problem!

The amazing thing about technology and social media, is that you can literally learn from your kitchen or patio. Of course it doesn’t feel exactly the same, but if you are looking for ideas, resources, or golden nuggets, follow the #ISTE2016 hashtag. There are many times when a session might be captured on Periscope and shared through the hashtag so you can really get insight into what’s happening!

And then there’s #NOTATISTE

Yes, there is literally a hashtag dedicated to anyone not at ISTE, but who has lots to share or who wants to learn! I had heard of this before through my Edumatch Voxer group, but because I had attended the conference, I was only mildly paying attention. Thanks to Craig Yen, who will be live tweeting from the conference this year, I got the scoop! Follow the #notatiste hashtag on Twitter, Join the Google + Community, or contact Lisa Dabbs to join the Voxer Group. It’s a place for learning and sharing and just a little bit of goofy fun.

The best part is, even if you aren’t participating live, you can spend a few minutes a day over the summer to check out some of the great learning and sharing!